# De Aalzangers
**Wikidata**: [Q109465525](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109465525)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/de-aalzangers

## Summary  
De Aalzangers is a Dutch choir based in Harderwijk, Netherlands, known for performing traditional maritime songs and cultural music. Founded in 1994, the group has contributed to local musical heritage and is recognized for its recordings and performances under the direction of Wim Timmer. Their work is archived at Stadsmuseum Harderwijk.

## Key Facts  
- Founded in 1994  
- Based in Harderwijk, Netherlands  
- Specializes in seafaring and maritime-themed songs  
- Led by conductor Wim Timmer  
- Featured in the collection of Stadsmuseum Harderwijk  
- Official website: [http://www.aalzangers.nl/](http://www.aalzangers.nl/)  
- Classified as a choir (instance_of: choir)  
- Identifier in Collectiegelderland: ff244e00-6b66-6c79-fcf1-912053dbca89  

## FAQs  
### Q: What type of music does De Aalzangers perform?  
A: De Aalzangers performs traditional maritime songs and cultural music, often reflecting themes related to seafaring and Dutch nautical heritage.

### Q: Where is De Aalzangers based?  
A: The choir is headquartered in Harderwijk, a city in the Netherlands.

### Q: Who leads De Aalzangers?  
A: The choir was notably led by Wim Timmer, under whose direction they recorded works such as *Zeemansliedjes*.

## Why It Matters  
De Aalzangers plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Dutch maritime musical traditions. As part of the cultural fabric of Harderwijk, their performances and recordings help maintain historical connections to the Netherlands' seafaring past. Their archival presence in Stadsmuseum Harderwijk underscores their contribution to regional heritage. By focusing on thematic repertoires like sailors’ songs, they also serve an educational function, bringing lesser-known aspects of Dutch culture to broader audiences.

## Notable For  
- Specialization in maritime and seafaring songs  
- Association with Stadsmuseum Harderwijk through archived works  
- Leadership under conductor Wim Timmer  
- Representation in regional cultural collections via Collectiegelderland  
- Active presence with an official website supporting public engagement  

## Body  

### Origin and Foundation  
De Aalzangers was founded in 1994 in Harderwijk, Netherlands. The choir emerged as part of the local cultural scene, dedicated to performing traditional Dutch songs with a focus on maritime themes.

### Musical Focus and Repertoire  
The ensemble specializes in *zeemansliedjes* (sailors’ songs), which reflect the Netherlands' rich nautical history. These songs often depict life at sea, historical voyages, and folklore associated with coastal and riverine communities.

### Leadership and Recordings  
Under the leadership of Wim Timmer, De Aalzangers produced notable recordings, including the album titled *Zeemansliedjes door De Aalzangers o.l.v. Wim Timmer*. This recording serves as both a performance artifact and a document of regional musical identity.

### Cultural Recognition and Archives  
Works by De Aalzangers are preserved in the collection of Stadsmuseum Harderwijk. They are also catalogued in the digital heritage platform Collectiegelderland under creator ID ff244e00-6b66-6c79-fcf1-912053dbca89, affiliated with the museum.

### Online Presence  
The choir maintains an official website at [http://www.aalzangers.nl/](http://www.aalzangers.nl/), providing information on performances, recordings, and background on their musical mission.

## References

1. CollectieGelderland